Verstappen Praises Horner as Red Bull Unveils Newey's Final Hypercar Design

Max Verstappen revealed he maintains regular contact with former team principal Christian Horner, crediting him with 'going through fire' during their championship-winning years together. This acknowledgment comes as Red Bull Advanced Technologies unveiled the final design of the RB17 hypercar, the last project heavily influenced by design legend Adrian Newey before his departure to Aston Martin, marking a significant day for the team both on and off the track.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's public praise for Horner highlights the deep personal and professional bond that was central to Red Bull's dominant era. As the team navigates a period of significant change, including Newey's exit, the stability and trust Verstappen felt with Horner underscore the leadership challenges Red Bull faces in retaining its star driver and maintaining its winning culture amidst a shifting landscape.

The details:

• Verstappen & Horner: The four-time world champion confirmed he speaks with his former boss at every race weekend, emphasizing Horner's crucial role in his success and Red Bull's title triumphs.
• Red Bull RB17 Hypercar: The final design for the track-only hypercar has been locked in. It will be powered by a screaming 15,000rpm Cosworth V10 engine, producing F1 levels of power, with production limited to just 50 units. While Newey's influence is foundational, his day-to-day involvement has naturally waned since his move to Aston Martin.
• Sainz's Williams Impact: Team principal James Vowles lauded Carlos Sainz, stating his influence and data analysis skills are 'even better than expected.' Vowles highlighted Sainz's 'very rare' ability to go beyond standard feedback, providing pinpoint analysis that is accelerating the team's development.
• Mercedes' Upgrade Reversal: The team reversed a suspension upgrade mid-season after data showed the initial concept was trending in the wrong direction. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin explained the move was a clear example of the team acknowledging a misstep and reverting to a known baseline to regain performance.
• Piastri's Calm Demeanor: Oscar Piastri opened up about his famously cool persona, revealing it's a conscious effort to find a balance. He aims to stay level-headed without losing the competitive passion, describing the process of finding that 'sweet spot' as a key part of his learning experience as a front-runner.

Looking Ahead:

These developments paint a picture of teams and drivers in transition. Red Bull is balancing its F1 present with a bold hypercar future, Williams is banking on Sainz's expertise for a long-term rebuild, and Mercedes is learning from its mistakes to close the gap. How these dynamics play out will be pivotal as the grid prepares for another major competitive shuffle in the coming seasons.